News Summary
A Rhode Island state trooper sustained minor injuries after a crash on I-95 in Cranston during a roadside inspection. A minivan struck the trooper’s unmarked truck while it was parked with emergency lights activated, pushing it into a nearby tractor-trailer. The trooper had to be extricated from the vehicle by emergency responders and was taken to Rhode Island Hospital. The driver of the minivan was also evaluated for injuries while the crash remains under investigation.
Cranston, Rhode Island – State Trooper Injured in Crash on I-95 During Roadside Inspection
A Rhode Island state trooper was injured in a crash on Interstate 95 south in Cranston Tuesday afternoon while conducting a roadside inspection. The incident occurred just after 3 p.m. near the Laurens Street overpass, when a minivan veered into the breakdown lane and struck the trooper’s unmarked pickup truck.
The trooper, who is part of the Commercial Enforcement Unit, was parked in the breakdown lane with the emergency lights activated alongside a tractor-trailer he was inspecting. The impact of the collision sent the trooper’s truck crashing into the parked tractor-trailer, ultimately trapping the trooper inside the vehicle. Cranston Fire and Rescue personnel responded promptly and were able to extricate the trooper from the wreckage.
The trooper was subsequently transported to Rhode Island Hospital with reported minor injuries. Additionally, the driver of the Toyota Sienna minivan was taken to Kent Hospital for evaluation due to complaints of pain, but no serious injuries were reported. The driver of the tractor-trailer was unharmed in the incident.
Details of the Incident
According to preliminary reports, both the trooper’s vehicle and the commercial truck were legally parked in the breakdown lane, which is designated for emergencies, with their emergency lights on. This aims to alert other drivers about the ongoing activity. The crash is currently under investigation, and authorities have not yet determined if any charges will be filed in connection with the incident.
Response and Safety Measures
The rapid response from the Cranston Fire and Rescue team was instrumental in ensuring the trooper received timely medical attention. Their ability to extricate the trooper highlights the importance of preparedness in emergency situations. This incident serves as a reminder of the hazards that law enforcement personnel face while performing roadside inspections and the need for heightened awareness among drivers, especially during roadside operations.
Context of Roadside Inspections
Roadside inspections by law enforcement agencies, such as the Commercial Enforcement Unit, are critical for maintaining road safety and ensuring compliance with transportation regulations. These inspections often involve checking commercial vehicles for safety standards, driver qualifications, and potential violations. The presence of emergency lights is meant to secure a safe working environment for both the officers and the drivers they are inspecting.
Crashes involving emergency vehicles are a concerning trend, prompting discussions about the need for stricter adherence to laws surrounding moving over for stationary emergency responders. Drivers are legally required to change lanes or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles to enhance safety for those working on the roadside.
Next Steps in the Investigation
As the investigation progresses, additional details may emerge, including the potential cause of the crash and whether charges will be filed against the driver of the minivan. Authorities continue to urge patience as they gather evidence and eyewitness accounts to clarify the circumstances of this unfortunate incident.
In summary, the collision on Interstate 95 not only resulted in injuries but also raised important discussions around road safety and the challenges faced by law enforcement during roadside inspections. Officials emphasize the continuous need for drivers to remain vigilant and proactive when near emergency scenes to prevent accidents and protect the lives of both officers and civilians alike.
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Additional Resources
- WPRI: RI Trooper Injured in Cranston Highway Crash
- ABC6: RI State Trooper Released from Hospital After Breakdown Lane Crash
- GoLocalProv: RI State Trooper Injured in Highway Crash on I-95
- Providence Journal: RI State Trooper Suffers Minor Injuries in Crash on Route 95
- Turn to Ten: Apparent Crash I-95 South Cranston Causes Traffic Backup
- Google Search: Rhode Island State Trooper Accident
